Spraying set in Freetown after mosquito sampling tests positive for EEE

Wednesday

Aug 6, 2014 at 12:42 AMAug 6, 2014 at 5:43 PM

Josh SullivanThe Standard-Times

After finding EEE in a mosquito sampling from East Freetown, the Bristol County Mosquito Control Project will spray several areas of New Bedford.

The sample was taken from a mosquito species called culiseta melanura, known for biting mostly birds. Freetown and Bridgewater are the two towns in Massachusetts where the Eastern equine encephalitis virus has been found so far this season.

Among the New Bedford areas that will be sprayed are Fort Taber, Brooklawn Park, Buttonwood Park, Hazelwood Park, Riverside Park, the Poor Farm Area, Clasky Common, Ben Rose Field and the industrial park area.

Spraying will start at 2 a.m. on Thursday Aug. 7 and will be over by sunrise. Residents are advised to close their windows that night.

There have been nine positive tests for west Nile and six for EEE in all of Massachusetts this year.

Health officials remind people to avoid bites by being aware when mosquitoes are the most active. Long-sleeved shirts and pants can be used to deter bites in addition to bug spray with DEET, permethrin, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Pools of water such as birdbaths should be drained and screen doors fixed to keep the mosquitoes out of the yard.

Anyone who would like to request a yard spraying should contact the Bristol County Mosquito Control project at 508-823-5253, between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.